The joint security forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued seven civilians from the Allied Democrat Forces (ADF) rebels. 

“The joint forces liberated seven civilians from the hands of the ADF during an operation carried out in the Lolwa region in Mambasa territory, Ituri province. These ex-hostages saluted the officers that saved their lives,” a statement issued by the Congolese army noted. 

The rescue comes at a time when there are reported incursions by ADF rebels in Lolwa, located 108 kilometeres from Bunia in Ituri province. 

“At least two civilians were killed by ADF rebels during the attack on Lolwa city. The public hospital of Lolwa was emptied of its patients, even nursing staff fled. After several hours of fighting, the joint forces managed to push these ADF rebels back towards the large forest of Bakpulu along River Ituri,” eye witnesses told journalists.  

Last month, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Wilson Mbadi Mbasu, and the Chief of the Congolese Army, Gen. Celestin Munsense, met in eastern Congo to review the status of the operation Shujaa against ADF.  

In December 2021, Uganda deployed troops in Eastern Congo on the invitation of DRC, mainly to pacify the area and root out insecurity orchestrated by various armed groups, especially the ADF, among other groups.  

Under the arrangement, code-named operation Shujaa, the UPDF and the Congolese army jointly deploy troops and share intelligence on a wide-range of attacks against ADF bases.